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EDMONTON - Generally, your twentysomething children will be happy to have dinner with you, because you are paying. Still, there are inherent risks.

You might mispronounce the word “meme” or reveal you play Farmville on Facebook, and they will be mortified. It is, therefore, really, really important to pick the right restaurant. Here are three places that will reveal you as the hipster you long to be. (But do not use the word hipster. Do not mention HBO’s Girls. And quit “liking” everything on Facebook.)

This is one of the hottest new restaurants in Edmonton. Indeed, there is an outside chance the rare twentysomething may not have heard of it. An izakaya is a Japanese pub where small plates are big, and the food is meant to be shared.

The concept has been popular in Vancouver and Toronto for years. Yawn as you say this.

If the staff shouts Irashaimase (Welcome!) at you when you come in the door, appear nonplussed. It’s a thing at Izakaya.

Try the Crispy Takoyaki. Those dried, paper-thin, dancing fish flakes on top of the hot, deep-fried octopus balls are called bonito. OK. Now you’re on your own.

Highlights of this gastro-pub, with a menu designed by the creative likes of twentysomething chef Jesse Morrison Gauthier, include the umami burger, and the chicken and waffles. Make sure to point out the crème brûlée has pop rocks on top; young people like that.

The Common is known for fun events such as Breakfast at Dinner, and Food and Word Pairings (where diners suggest their favourite adjectives, and the chef designs a dish around that).

Those over 50 will also feel comfortable at The Common, as there are pictures of icons of the past, such as Jimi Hendrix, and background music includes updated re-mixes of 1970s hits by bands like Fleetwood Mac. But don’t talk about that.

Young men in particular will be impressed by Sloppy Hoggs, where smoked meat is king and the servings are large. The menu has items with names like My Ridiculous Fat Ass and Roed Hus Road Kill. I ordered the Game Day Platter, with gorgeously charred ribs, smoked beef brisket, barbecued smoked chicken and pulled pork, plus cornbread, beans and slaw. While it was $75, there was enough for both of my boys to take home leftovers in a doggie bag. Don’t call it a doggie bag.

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